Mesa, AZ Lost Female Cat, Layla Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Cathy L.

2 months ago

Cats usually do not go far, especially indoor only cats (indoor/outdoor cats can travel a bit farther and unfixed cats do travel farther) they are probably scared and hiding nearby, not more than 2-4 houses away. Leave the door or window they escaped from open if possible, especially in the nighttime (around 2am - 4am) when it is quiet out. Cats are most active in the early morning and late at night. if you have a garage, leave the garage door open slightly... keep the lights low in and outside your house and keep things inside and outside your house very very quiet, so that it does not feel threatened by coming home. Some cats come home on their own, some you must search for, and some you must trap with a humane trap… Some cats who get out are so terrified they will revert to some feral behavior and hide even though their owner might be very close by and calling...... for these cats you have to trap them. Indoor only cats typically hide in SILENCE. You could be standing right next to them and calling and they will most likely not come out. They instinctively hide to protect against predators and aggressive cats. Your cat wants to come back, they are just scared and waiting for the right time. If you see your lost cat, do not chase or try to grab him. Sit down on the ground to make yourself smaller. Try to lure him closer to you with food. Keep your voice soft and don't make any sudden moves. He will be very anxious and may not recognize you right away. Be sure to let him smell you before you attempt to pet or pick up. If you decide to pick him up, be sure to hang on tight and don't let go no matter what! Go out and calmly call them/sit outside and speak softly, as they sense anxiety in your voice and will not respond. Look in and under sheds, garages, under decks, in bushes, up in trees, between fences, in window wells, nearby sewers and storm drains, under cars, Let your neighbors know and ask if they can check their property, sheds and garages or ask if they'll let you check. Look under anything with a tarp on it, pool covers, grill covers, furniture covers, in any kind of a hole or crevice, all the way under porches, all the way underneath sheds. If your neighbors have a security camera ask if they could check it. You can look for your cat at night with a flashlight as their eyes will glow in the light. Put a small shelter outside with some of your worn clothes in it so if they do come back, they will hopefully use that as a safe space. (Do NOT put litter outside as it attracts other animals that want to mark the territory) Scared cats hide in silence, just because you don't see or hear your cat does not mean they are not right there. Flyers must go up and you should call and visit in person nearby shelters and vet hospitals. Put flyers in mailboxes and up around the neighborhood too. Let the local vets know and even go to the shelter that takes in animals from your town. Leave a flyer with both. Also every town has a TNR where they feed feral and stray cats, find out where they are and check; a lot of cats were found at the feeding stations. There’s a site called LostMyKitty. They offer a service that does Amber alert phone calls to surrounding houses for a fee. If you decide to use this service, choose the free option first. Keep repeating everything and take all of the suggestions. I hope these tips help and you find your cat soon. Your cat wants to come home, keep the faith and don’t give up. It is such a difficult time when your pet is missing. There are pet tracker's out there. Some have searched dogs, some have drones. Put a small shelter outside with some of your worn clothes in it so if they do come back, they will hopefully use that as a safe space. (Do NOT put litter outside as it attracts other animals that want to mark the territory) Scared cats hide in silence, just because you don't see or hear your cat does not mean they are not right there. Flyers must go up and you should call and visit in person nearby shelters and vet hospitals. Put flyers in mailboxes and up around the neighborhood too. Let the local vets know and even go to the shelter that takes in animals from your town. Leave a flyer with both. Also every town has a TNR they feed feral and stray cats find out where they are and check; a lot of cats were found at the feeding stations. It is such a difficult time when your pet is missing. There are pet tracker's out there. Some have searched dogs, some have drones, but there are also plenty of scammers. You can potentially find trackers on Facebook. But do research to make sure they're legitimate. Good luck! And definitely contact a pet tracker Good luck and don't give up!

All f.

2 months ago

📷 View photo on Facebook

All f.

2 months ago

Create a scent station (items with your/your cat’s smell - unwashed bedding, clothing, cat tower, etc. Especially important if cat is in new/unfamiliar area. Do NOT put out litter pan as feces often used to mark territory and may inadvertently attract predators or territorial cats.). Check it often, especially when things are quiet (late evening/early morning). Leave the garage door open 5” overnight. Check nearby Ring/security cameras in the area. Check in and under everything inside and outside with a flashlight. Cats don’t usually go far and freeze in a tight ball in very small, tight, dark areas when scared. The flashlight catches their eyes’ stare, especially at night. Thoroughly check inside your home, especially if this is a new/shy/scared pet. Post on NextDoor app as it covers your local neighborhoods. Be sure to check your local animal shelter in person at least every other day (can’t stress enough - in person!!! You know your pet best plus animals constantly brought in). If your cat is not spayed/neutered, may be why it is “lost” and traveling further. Hope your pet is home safe and soon. (Note: if anyone asks for money or a code as “they have your pet,” this is a scam). https://www.pawboost.com/blog/7-effective-search-tips-for-finding-your-lost-cat/ https://petfbi.org/i-lost-a-cat/tips-to-lure-a-cat-back-home-2/

Jessica K.

2 months ago

I'm so sorry to hear your furbaby is missing. Sending hope for a safe reunion. I've shared this post to my page Arizona Lost/Found Gray Cats and Russian Blues 💙

Ri M.

2 months ago

Try motion detection camera and live trap

Sandra H.

2 months ago

Lost Cat Recovery Checklist Immediate Actions ■ Start searching close to where she got out (cats usually hide nearby). ■ Check high & low hiding spots: under cars, porches/decks, shrubs, garages, sheds. ■ Ask neighbors to check open garages/sheds and closed spaces before shutting doors. Best Times to Search ■ Search during quiet/dark hours (best: 12am–7am, especially 1–6am). ■ Use a strong flashlight at night to spot eye reflection. Calling & Approaching ■ Call for her during still hours (overnight/early morning). ■ If you see her: stay calm and quiet (don’t chase). Scent Lures (Safe Options) ■ Put outside: her bed/blanket or your unwashed clothing/bedding. ■ Place scent items near the trap and/or leading toward the door. ■ Do NOT place a litter box outside (can attract predators such as coyotes). Food / Feeding Station ■ Set up a feeding station and feed during the day only. ■ Do NOT leave food out overnight (attracts wildlife & scares cats off). Humane Trap (Highly Recommended) ■ Get a live/humane trap ASAP. ■ Use food only inside the trap (don’t leave food elsewhere). ■ Cover trap with a tarp/blanket for safety and comfort. ■ Check trap frequently—never leave it unattended overnight. ■ In harsh weather: check every 30 minutes. Outreach (Very Important) ■ Post flyers around the neighborhood with phone number (day/night contact). ■ Bring flyers to local vets, shelters (go in person every few days if possible), and pet stores. ■ Tell your mail carrier (they notice roaming pets). ■ Ask known stray feeders/rescuers if they’ve seen her. Mindset ■ Keep checking at different times daily. ■ Don’t give up—cats can be found weeks or months later

Kelli T.

2 months ago

Search at night with flashlight treats and a carrier. Check driveways, under cars in bushes. Ask feral feeders in area if they have seen her. Please keep all cats inside, a cat will lose against a coyote and for sure a car or mean person. Please keep inside.

Debbie R.

2 months ago

Missinganimalresonse.com: Lost Cat Behavior. Hope you are reunited with your fur baby very soon!

M R.

2 months ago